Communities grapple with the impact of multi-resort passes as skiers flock to mega-resorts, causing congestion and straining local infrastructure. Smaller resorts see a resurgence as skiers seek less crowded and more affordable options.

The ski industry is facing an unprecedented challenge with the increasing popularity of multi-resort passes, such as Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass and Alterra Mountain Company’s Ikon Pass.

While these passes have democratized access to some of the world’s most renowned ski destinations, they have also brought a host of challenges to the communities that host these resorts.

As the snow settles on the slopes, the question remains: Are these passes a boon for the industry or a burden for the towns and skiers they serve?

Mary Bono, a former congresswoman and widow of the late Sonny Bono, is no stranger to the perils of skiing.

Her husband’s tragic ski accident in 1998 is a grim reminder of the sport’s inherent risks.

Now a resident of Durango, Colorado, Bono has chosen to step away from skiing, citing not only personal history but also the increased crowding and risk she perceives at major resorts.

“The photos out of Vail are epic. Epic Pass, oh my God, those crowds. Epic lines,” she remarks, highlighting a growing sentiment among veteran skiers who find themselves navigating increasingly congested slopes.

The multi-resort passes were initially a game-changer, offering unparalleled access at a fraction of the previous cost.

However, the success of these passes has come with unintended consequences.

Viral images of long lift lines and traffic snarls on Interstate 70 have become synonymous with the ski season.

The ski towns, which once thrived on the exclusivity of their slopes, are now grappling with the pressures of accommodating an influx of visitors.

Yet, amidst the chaos, a silver lining emerges for smaller, lesser-known resorts.

As mega-resorts bear the brunt of overcrowding, smaller ski areas like Purgatory, part of the Power Pass network, are witnessing a resurgence.

Skiers seeking a less frenetic experience are turning to these “throwback” resorts, where the pace is slower, and the skier density is lower.

Andy Daly, part-owner of Powderhorn, notes, “We have way more terrain per skier… and people are more comfortable with that.”

This shift towards smaller resorts isn’t just about escaping the crowds; it’s also driven by economic factors.

As the cost of Epic and Ikon passes rises, skiers with tighter budgets are gravitating towards more affordable options.

An adult season pass at Powderhorn, for instance, starts at $429, significantly less than the Epic Pass’s $982 starting price.

While the multi-resort passes have propelled the industry to new heights, surpassing 60 million annual skier visits, the sustainability of this model is under scrutiny.

For the first time in its history, Epic Pass sales declined, albeit slightly, signaling a potential plateau.

Communities are increasingly aware of the need to balance the benefits of tourism with the needs of local residents.

Former Vail Mayor Dick Cleveland recalls the transformative impact of the Epic Pass on his community, but also the strain it placed on local infrastructure.

Current Vail Mayor Travis Coggin acknowledges the challenge, stating, “The challenge that we have in our communities is to balance who lives here with who kind of subsidizes us living here.”

As ski towns across the country wrestle with these dynamics, the industry is compelled to adapt.

Smaller resorts are crafting unique identities to attract local skiers, while larger resorts experiment with reservation systems and capacity limits.

In the end, the multi-resort pass model remains a double-edged sword.

It has undeniably broadened the appeal of skiing and snowboarding, yet it demands a delicate balancing act to ensure the long-term health of both the industry and the communities it touches.

As Bill Jensen, a former Vail executive, aptly puts it, “I am very pro the excitement and energy and enthusiasm for skiing and snowboarding—not just Epic and Ikon, but all the pass products.”

It’s a sentiment that underscores the vibrant future of the sport, even as it navigates these complex challenges.

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